More students than ever before will be exposed to more college programs than ever before, as Experiential Learning Week returns to Lethbridge College. Now in its third year, the week invites students to take part in specially designed college-level programming in an area of the student’s interest. Students will be on campus today through Friday.
Experiential Learning Week is designed to provide opportunities for students to engage in interesting and authentic learning experiences to gain knowledge and skills to help them prepare for life after high school. Approximately 200 students from nine southern Alberta schools will take part, up from 43 students and two schools in 2017.
“There was a desire from both the high schools and the college to grow Experiential Learning Week and we’re pleased we’ve been able to do that,” says Leah Wack, manager of Regional Stewardship. “With such a broad range of programming options, and enthusiastic support from faculty and staff, students will really get a chance to experience something they are passionate about. We hope that leads them to being engaged in their learning, which is exciting when they begin to think about their educational path after high school.”
Students were able to choose one of 13 custom-designed educational tracks, encompassing nearly every Lethbridge College program – from trades to agriculture, health and wellness to justice, business to environmental science, and more.
There is also a specially designed Leadership Workshop: Design Thinking for Youth Change-Makers track that provides opportunities to develop leadership skills in students. Students receive high school credits for their participation.
“Experiential Learning Week will provide Palliser students the opportunity to explore learning outside the walls of a traditional classroom,” says Jason Kupery, Director of Learning with Palliser Regional Schools. “The hope is these experiences will expose students to learning that will connect them to something they are passionate about and will promote them being lifelong learners.”
The involvement goes well beyond the classroom, with many students living in residence while attending classes. They will also take part in a variety of on- and off-campus activities to get an immersive college experience.
“We provide the chance for students to meet with academic advisors, to talk to our recruiters, to get tips on healthy living from the Be Fit for Life Centre,” says Wack. “Our hope is that this experience gives them a jump start on preparing for life in post-secondary education so they can thrive when they take the next step.”
Participating schools are: Coalhurst High School, County Central High School (Vulcan), J.T. Foster High School (Nanton), Kainai High School (Blood Reserve), Kate Andrews High School (Coaldale), Matthew Halton High School (Pincher Creek), Noble Central School (Nobleford), Picture Butte High School and Piikani Nation Secondary School (Brocket).
Experiential Learning Week is funded in part by a Government of Alberta Regional Partnership Grant with the purpose of developing high school to post-secondary pathways.
Scroll through to see photos from Experiential Learning Week 2018:
Experiential Learning Week 2018
Experiential Learning Week 2018
Experiential Learning Week 2018
Experiential Learning Week 2018
